Special constables’ term and conditions to be amended

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Dale Marshall has given notice that steps are being taken to address the tenure and pension entitlements for special constables.

As he delivered the feature address at the opening ceremony of the Barbados Police Service’s Annual Grand Conference 2022 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St Michael, Marshall said Cabinet has approved the amendment to the relevant legislation and it will go before Parliament.

In 2019, President of the Island Constables Association Samuel Hackett lamented that for too long island constables have been working under poor conditions of service and called on the ruling Barbados Labour Party (BLP) administration to keep its 2018 manifesto promise to bring the terms and conditions of the constables in line with human resource best practices.

“The members of the island constabulary have been complaining about their benefits and working conditions and I know that they think of themselves as poor cousins of the police service. We need Commissioner [of Police Richard Boyce] if you would help to point us in a positive direction to resolving those issues,” he said.

The Attorney General also assured the members of the Barbados Police Service (BPS) that the Government valued their contributions to the protection of life and safety of residents. He said the country was still facing extraordinary times due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has caused the economy to suffer severe contraction.

Marshall said he has seen unofficially, proposals for adjustments to allowances and in some cases requests for the addition of new allowances. However, he urged the Barbados Police Association to refine the proposals for substantive discussions when government finances allow.

“But I assure you that I would be a constant advocate for the improvement in the terms and conditions of the members of the Barbados Police Service. I am advised too that there are currently special arrangements for the awarding of special increments and that even though the funds are allocated they are not generally awarded. This has occurred over several years and if my advice is incorrect Commissioner, I would be very pleased if you would correct me,” he said.

The Attorney General said Government will continue to fund the BPS health and wellness programmes, and would consider financing the expansion of the gym facilities once the request has been made and resources are available.

“I am advised that there have been complaints over time of the adequacy of service provided by the Police Medical Officers. And if this is the case sir could you please send me a report so that they may have whatever difficulties there may be addressed,” he said. (AH)